Key-lock.



W. F. BAILEY.

KEY LOCK.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 3. 1915.

1, W W. Patented Apr. 25,1916.

I IITLII @TATE% PATIWI tII I IIUIE.

WALTER F. BAILEY, 0]? LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR TO ALBERT J. TEAG'U'E, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

KEY-LOCK.

Application filed July 3, 1915.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WALTER F. BAILEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Key-Locks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a key look.

It is the object of this invention to provide a device for looking a door key in its look against accidental or malicious removal.

Another object is to provide a device of the above character which is so constructed as to form a detachable connection between the door knob and the key when the latter is positioned in the key hole adjacent the door knob and which is adjustable to operate within the range of ordinary variations of spacing between a door knob and key hole.

Another object is to provide a key-locking device which embodies a pair of pivoted members adapted to be placed astride the shank of a door knob and crossed through the opening in the head of a key, having means for automatically connecting the crossed members together against separation at various angles in relation to each other.

The invention primarily provides in a pair of pivotally connected curved limbs one of which is formed with a series of serrations or ratchet teeth and the other of which is formed with a flange adapted to engage the teeth on crossing the limbs so as to prevent retraction thereof in relation to each other, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the invention as applied. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the locking device as removed. Fig. 3 is a detailed section on a line 83 of Fig. 2 as seen in the direction indicated by the arrow a. Fig. 4: is a detailed section on a line 4-4 of Fig. 2 as seen in the direction indicated by the arrow 6.

In carrying out the present invention, a pair of flat, metallic limb members 6 and 7 are employed, which limb members are preferably struck from sheet metal and formed with substantially straight portions 8 and 9 terminatinin rounded or pointed outer ends 10 and 11 and having inwardly curved Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 25, 1916.

Serial No. 38,034.

inner end portions 12 and 13. The inner end portions 12 and 13 are pivotally connected together by means of a suitable pivot pin or rivet 14, so that the limbs may be turned in relation to each other at various angles and crossed as occasion requires. Formed on the outer marginal edge of the limb 7 on the straight portion 9 thereof and extending rearwardly from the tip or point 11 is a series of serrations or ratchet teeth 15 which project upwardly at right angles to the flat face of the limb. The ratchet teeth are formed with rearwardly and upwardly extending inclined faces 16 terminating in shoulders 17. Formed on the limb 6 on its outer marginal edge and extending rearwardly from the tip 10 is a continuous flange 18 which projects downwardly at right angles to the lower face of the limb 6 in a direction opposite that in which the ratchet teeth 15 extend. In assembling the parts the limb 6 is positioned to extend over the upper face of the limb 7 so that the flange 18 may ride over and engage the ratchet teeth 15.

, In the operation of the invention, the limbs 6 and 7 are placed astride of the shank 19 of a door knob and the tips 10 and 11 are inserted through the opening formed in the head 20 of a key after the latter has been inserted in the key hole and the head 20 turned to extend horizontally. The limbs 6 and 7 on being passed through the opening in the head 20 of the key are crossed so that the flange 18 will project into and engage the ratchet teeth 15 which engagement operates to prevent separation or spreading of the limb members, thus looking them in crossed relation through the head of the key and thereby preventing rotation of the latter.

When the device is applied as shown in Fig. 1, the key will also be securely held against accidental Or malicious removal from the key hole as well as locked against rotation. When it is desired to release the key, the limbs 6 and 7 are sprung apart laterally to move the flange 18 out of on gagement with the ratchet teeth 15, being held in a separated position while withdrawing the device from the key. The length of the flange 18 and the row of ratchet teeth 15 is such as to adapt the device for use on various doors Where the spacing of the key hole in relation to the door knob is varied.

What I claim is:

l. A key-locking device comprising a pair of pivoted limb members adapted to encompass the shank of a door knob and extend in crossed relation through the head of a key, and means formedon said limb mom-- bers for automatically locking the limbs in their crossed relation to each other.

2. A key-locking device comprising a pair of pivoted limb members adapted to encompass a. shank of a doorknob and extend in crossed relation to each'other through the head of a key,v a series of ratchet teeth on one or the limb members, and means on the otherflimb member engageable With said ratchet teeth 'for automatically lockingv the limb members in their crossed positioni 3. A key-locking. device comprising a pair of limb members having substantially straight portions and curved inner ends, a pivot connecting the curved ends of said limb members, a series of ratchet teeth formed on one of the limb members, and means on the other limb member engageable with said ratchet teeth for automatically locking the limb members against separation when in a crossed position in relation to each other.

eh A key-locking device comprising a pair of flat limb members having substantially straight outer portions and inwardly curred inner ends, a pivot connecting the curved ends of said limb members whereby they may be turned to dispose their straight outer portions in crossed relation to each other, a series of ratchet teeth formed on one of the limb members projecting toward the other limb member, and a flange on the other limb member adapted to engage said ratchet teeth to lock the limbs against separation when in a crossed position.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

WALTER F. BAILEY.

Copies oftliis patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, DZ 0; 

